Work to transform the Stadium in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park into a multi-use venue that delivers on legacy has begun.

London Legacy Development Corporation has begun work to remove 25,000 seats and the grass field in the iconic Stadium.

The roof will be taken down in the autumn and a new one put up by spring 2015. It will cover every seat in the ground and improve the acoustics and spectator experience for football matches, other sporting events and concerts.

Final preparations for the Rugby World Cup will also take place in 2015 and will include installing concessions, toilets, turnstiles, hospitality areas and laying the pitch for the five World Cup matches that will take place at the Stadium between September and October 2015.

Following the Rugby World Cup, final work will be carried out to prepare the Stadium for its long term tenants West Ham United FC and UK Athletics.

Kim Bromley-Derry, Chief Executive of Newham Council, said: “No previous Olympic Stadium has ever done this - or proved its legacy credentials so quickly. This exciting transformation will generate jobs for our local community at each stage of the project. Residents will be able to develop their skills while creating a brilliant asset for their area. The fact that everyone in Newham will be able to use the new Stadium will bring to reality the commitment we made in the original bid to host the Olympic Games to create a lasting legacy.”

Dennis Hone, Chief Executive of London Legacy Development Corporation, said: “These works will ensure the Stadium will be a flexible venue used throughout the year, delivering a truly lasting legacy in east London. From the lighting of the cauldron to 2012 stars like Mo Farah, Hannah Cockcroft and Usain Bolt storming to victory, this iconic Stadium holds some special memories. Today paves the way for the Stadium’s next chapter and I am sure it will host many more inspirational moments over the decades to come”

The work is being undertaken on behalf of E20 Stadium, a joint venture between the London Legacy Development Corporation and Newham Council to set up and manage the Stadium.